CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – According to Montgomery County election officials, 37.7% of eligible, registered voters in Montgomery County have already cast their votes.

This total includes the absentee ballots received so far by mail, as well as the early, in-person votes cast at the Election Commission Office.

As of Thursday, 49,509 votes had already been cast locally, beating the total turnout for the 1996, 2000 and 2004 elections.

For this election, there are 131,377 voters registered, which is 22,839 more than in the last presidential election.

Here are the Montgomery County registration, voting totals and turnout percentage for the last six presidential elections.

  • 1996, Clinton vs. Dole: 52,842 registered, 33,921 votes, for 64.19%
  • 2000, Bush vs. Gore: 66,043 registered, 39,227 votes, for 59.39%
  • 2004, Bush vs. Kerry: 77,367 registered, 49,205 votes, for 63.59%
  • 2008, McCain vs. Obama: 90,055 registered, 56,876 votes, for 63.15%
  • 2012, Obama vs. Romney: 89,245 registered, 55,912 votes, for 62.65%
  • 2016, Clinton vs. Trump: 108,538 registered, 58,285 votes, 53.7%
  • 2020, Biden vs. Trump: 131,377 registered

Senator Bill Powers commented on this years voter turnout at The Montgomery County Republican Fall Festival, held on Halloween.

“I think people realize the importance of this election, and they’re coming out from both sides. I think we are going to have a true indicator of who they want. I am pleased to see the turnout,” said Powers.

Counting the votes

As to when the Election Commission can begin tallying the ballots received by mail, Tennessee state law prohibits the counting of absentee votes until the polls open on Nov. 3.

“We can’t start counting anything until the polls open on Election Day,” Administrator of Elections Elizabeth Black said.

On Election Day

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters can find their polling location on the back of their Voter Registration Card or at the Montgomery County Election Commission website.

Tennessee voters will need to bring valid photo ID to the polls. A Tennessee driver license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government or the federal government are acceptable even if they are expired. College student IDs are not acceptable.

While visiting the polls, Tennesseans are encouraged to wear a face covering and maintaining a 6-foot distance from poll officials and other voters.

For more information about early voting in Tennessee, go to GoVoteTN.com or call the Division of Elections toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.

Come back to ClarksvilleNow.com on election night for live returns and reaction from candidates.

Chris Smith contributed to this report.